Single and struggling to save? How you can bank £2,400 a year - if you give up dating!
Single people could be spending up to £2,400 a year on dating, according to research from VoucherCodes.
More than two in five spend as much as £100 on every date, the survey found. This means individuals who go on two dates a month are paying £2,400 a year, the equivalent of a second-hand car or a two-week holiday abroad.
Savvy-minded savers could also be putting a large chunk of this money in their pension pot or stocks and shares individual savings account (Isa) to grow money through compounding.
Psychologist and intimacy coach Dr Lori Beth Bisbey says: 'Modern dating is like playing the lottery with your wallet – you're swiping, hoping for a spark, but burning through cash on connections that can go nowhere.
'Ask yourself: would you pay £100 to meet a stranger with no guarantee of chemistry? Get clear on what you're looking for and don't be afraid to walk away if a match doesn't meet your standards – financially or emotionally.'
She says you should call to talk to a potential date for ten minutes prior to meeting to spot red flags and judge if you want to spend your money and time on them.
L.evans@dailymail.co.uk
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The Guardian
an hour ago
- The Guardian
The best Father's Day gifts: 83 thoughtful ideas for £50 and under they'll actually want
Dads can be tricky to buy for. They often have everything already, or profess to want nothing. But beneath the smiling veneer of a man unwrapping a pair of novelty socks is someone who secretly wanted some fancy toiletries. Or a massage gun. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. So this Father's Day, why not get your dad a gift he'll actually use, rather than another pair of novelty socks or the not-so-subtle hint of a nasal hair trimmer? You don't have to break the bank to do it either, as our carefully curated guide of 83 £50-or-under presents proves. Whatever your dad's interests, age or tastes, we've got Father's Day covered. Piggy's hot honey £9.99 for 350g at Selfridges£11 for 350g of extra hot at Amazon Condiments don't get much cooler (or rather, hotter) than hot honey, and Piggy's sweet and sticky scotch bonnet and chipotle infusion packs a punch. It's a guaranteed hit that he'll be pouring over pizza and using as a barbecue marinade, and he'll be asking for re-ups on birthday and Christmas lists to come. Delli Daddy Cool box £38 at Delli Swerve the chocolate selection box in favour of this hamper from hip online indie food and drink store Delli. The set mixes savoury and sweet craft creations with foodie favourites, such as extra virgin olive oil; a pink peppercorn, salt and garlic seasoning; and Docker Brewery's unfiltered, helles-style Palms House lager. Three-month Monmouth Coffee subscription From £37.95 at Monmouth Does the dad in your life prefer moka to Maxwell House or AeroPress to Nescafé Azera? Then he'll love having freshly roasted java delivered directly to his door. Choose between Monmouth's four regularly rotating styles and whether you want the beans whole or ground (if you're unsure, it's best to ask the boss himself). For more, check out the best coffee subscription services to save you money on your morning brew, tested Papa blue speckle ceramic mug £12.50 at Oliver Bonas Looking for a mug to go with the coffee bean subscription? This speckled ceramic number blends Puglian cool with a Papa motif, meaning no one will mistake whose brew it contains. Chimac Kimchi ketchup £8.50 for 350ml at Burford Spice up his condiment selection with this tangy twist on tomato ketchup from Dublin's Korean fried chicken spot Chimac. The spring onion kimchi flavour has a warming rather than hot kick and is perfect for marinating meats, mixing into rice bowls and dolloping liberally on scrambled eggs. Gyuto knife £45 at Sous Chef A Japanese blade enhances any cooking experience, and this multipurpose 18.5cm gyuto knife is at home slicing, dicing and chopping on any board – whether prepping fruit, vegetables or meat. Made in Seki City – the knife capital of the world – it will leave the rest of the block firmly in the shade. MasterClass ceramic-coated frying pan £19.96 at Harts of Stur£23.46 at Amazon If you're worried about your dad's old, scratched non-stick pan, get him a Pfas-free replacement. Our favourite budget pick is this MasterClass ceramic induction-ready pan, which comes with a 15-year guarantee. Oxo Good Grips Smooth potato masher £12 at John Lewis£12 at Amazon This might seem a mundane gift, but the best often are. A significant upgrade on other styles of spud smasher, its ergonomic design lets you give the potatoes some welly, leaving you with fluffy clouds of mash every time. It's dishwasher-safe and easy to clean too, with no corners or crevices for potato to hide in. Lakeland citrus juicer £8.99 at Lakeland£8.99 at Amazon If he loves spinning salad dressings or slinging cocktails, an elbow press is a must. Lakeland's handheld juicer features two sizes – one for lemons and an insert for limes – and is a pith- and pip-free way of squeezing out that citric goodness. ProCook pizza stone, 38cm £15 at ProCook Save your money on a dedicated setup and get a ceramic pizza stone that goes in the standard oven instead. Sure, it might struggle to imitate a wood-fired Neapolitan creation, but it will crisp up the base of any homemade or shop-bought 'za, and, unlike an Ooni, will fit in a kitchen drawer when not in use. Clapton Craft 12-pack gift box of beers £40 at Clapton Craft Break away from the predictable pours and opt for a seasonal selection from Clapton Craft. The bottle shop prioritises the freshest and finest pales and hop-focused brews from some of the UK's best independent spots, with one or two picks to test even well-trained taste buds. Guinness Nitrosurge bundle £38.47 at Asda£37.80 at Amazon This gadget from Guinness transmits ultrasonic waves to create the black stuff's distinctive nitrogen bubbles when a special version of the stout is poured through its nozzle. It creates an almost-pub-like pint straight from a can and allows anyone to perfect the two-part pour at home. Drawing a clover in the foam is optional. Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz gin £44.95 for 70cl at Master of Malt£40.19 for 70cl at Amazon For something a little bit different, this gin from Australian producer Four Pillars is steeped with shiraz grapes grown locally to the distillery. The result is completely surprising and delicious, and sure to be a hit with your dad. Hip Pop strawberry and pineapple kombucha £29.99 for 24 cans at Hip Pop£17.99 for 12 cans at Amazon Alcohol-free fathers don't have to go without, and the low and no alternatives have never been better. This strawberry and pineapple concoction was our favourite kombucha in our recent test. It's a funk-free, gut-friendly fermented fizz that will win over first-timers or dyed-in-the-wool booch buffs. Cold-brew coffee maker £30 at Grind Summer is cold brew season, and this contraption from Grind makes barista-quality drinks every time. Simply add your ground coffee of choice to the glass bottle's internal filter, fill with cold tap water, put in the fridge overnight and wake to smooth, aromatic perfection. Hario V60 ceramic coffee dripper £23.76 at Amazon Coffee beans and mug sorted, why not introduce him to a fun (and infinitely refinable) new way to brew? Hario's V60 is the definitive pour-over tool. Instead of the plastic version we recommend in our guide to the essential coffee kit, make the gift even more special with this classy ceramic one. Marcato pasta wheel £43 at John Lewis£43 at Fenwick Last year's pasta maker still a hit 12 months later? Help him take his carby creations to the next level and unlock the crinkle cuts of ravioli and farfalle with this Italian-made pasta wheel with three different cutters. Andrew James ice-cream maker £24.93 at Robert Dyas£35.99 at Amazon Ice-cream might be an indulgence, but you don't need to indulge in an expensive gadget to make high-quality ices, as this affordable machine proves. It can churn your ice-cream in as little as 20 minutes, and can also rustle up fro-yo and sorbet if gelato isn't his game. Carhartt duck apron £49.71 at MI Supplies£58.99 at Carhartt This apron from workwear specialist Carhartt is made from durable and hard-wearing cotton duck fabric and has plenty of pockets for your dad's endless array of kitchen gadgets. Haws Cradley Cascader watering can £35.99 at Haws£40.99 at Amazon Upgrade an everyday gardening essential with this fancy long-spouted watering can from Monty Don-approved brand Haws. This plastic version is much more accessible than the brand's famous metal watering cans, but still adds a touch of class to the daily watering rounds. Gentlemen's hardware barbecue multi-tool £35 at John Lewis£36 at Next The Swiss army knife of sausages, steaks and skewers, this outdoor cooking multi-tool will suit any aspiring pit master. Featuring a spatula, basting brush, fork, bottle opener and cork screw, it has all the essential implements for smoking, grilling and mid-barbecue drinks (although it can't guarantee things won't get burned …). Repurposed Campari bottle glasses £50 for two at Etsy Up the ante of aperitivo hour with these eco-friendly glasses. Crafted from old Campari bottles, they're ideal for spirits, short cocktails and, of course, spritzes, while their recycled origins add some sustainability credentials. Donkey gloves £21.95 at Sarah Raven£15.95 at Amazon Give the gift of cut- and sting-free hands with the (Monty) don of gardening gloves. The faux-leather fabric offers the dexterity needed for fiddly tasks and protection against brambles and nettles while still being comfortable enough for a long day in the garden. Makita 47-piece ratchet screwdriver and bit set £25.74 at B&Q£29.99 at Robert Dyas Loose fixtures and fittings beware – there's a new sheriff in town and he's got a screwdriver bit with your name on it. Well, he will do if you get him this 47-piece ratchet screwdriver set, which covers the gamut of all potential screw heads, from your run-of-the-mill Phillips to lesser-spotted Torx. English Teacher This Could Be Texas £18 at Townsend£27.99 at HMV Whether he's part of the vinyl revival or is a lifelong audiophile, a new LP will be a welcome addition to his collection. Rather than a predictable reissue, snag English Teacher's Mercury prize-winning debut album This Could Be Texas – it's BBC 6 Music approved too, and it's bound to score you extra brownie points. Personalised football commentary chart £28 at Not On The High Street Commentator Clive Tyldesley has soundtracked some of modern football's biggest moments, so immortalise your dad's team's most iconic win with a personalised print of the commentary box legend's match-day notes. Customised artwork plate £15 at Etsy Have your little one's drawing or hand-written note preserved on a plate and bring the dad in your life smiles every time he tucks into his breakfast – perfect for a dad with young kids. Earl of East Onsen soy wax candle £24 for 170ml at End Clothing£30 for 500ml at Cult Beauty This onsen-inspired scent is said to promote concentration and clear thinking. Even if it doesn't have the desired effect, its blend of peppermint, eucalyptus and mandarin will bring zen to any situation. Niwaki hori hori gardening knife £32.95 at Sarah Raven£32.99 at Crocus No gardening tool collection is complete without a Japanese trowel. Niwaki's hori hori knife has a dagger-shaped carbon steel blade and is a versatile, hard-wearing addition that is just at home clearing weeds as it is planting bulbs or harvesting crops on the allotment. Spear & Jackson bypass secateurs £12 at Sainsbury's£9.95 at Amazon Our favourite budget option in our recent roundup of the best secateurs, this Spear & Jackson set performs way above its price point. Although relatively cheap, there's been no scrimping when it comes to the blade – a durable and smooth carbon steel number – while a 10-year guarantee means they should still be cutting and chopping for many Father's Days to come. Freitag F280 Lazarus card holder £36 at Freitag The days of coins and notes are numbered, and this streamlined nine-card holder is an ideal upgrade for that tatty old wallet. Constructed from reused truck tarps, each is one of a kind and made from 99% recycled material. Liga eco key fob £15 at Liga He'll never misplace his keys again with this eye-catching fob. The sustainable 'beach clean' material is a mix of recycled EVA plastics and naturally harvested cork, which continues to do its bit for the environment by absorbing CO2. Meller Ekon sunglasses £49 at Meller Since Father's Day lands at the start of summer, sunglasses are a welcome gift. Meller is a strong choice for reasonably priced shades that don't compromise quality – the Ekon, for instance, is a more affordable alternative to Ray-Ban's Wayfarers. There's nearly always a two-for-one offer available, so you could treat him to two pairs if you're feeling generous – or one for yourself. Blugiallo Panache Airways limited edition cap £32 at Blugiallo There was a time when the only people wearing curved peaks were dads. Now we're all at it, but this year they're on trend. This satirical take on Pan Am Airways by Scandi label Blugiallo is a top-tier choice. Victorinox Swiss card £26.99 at Zoro£34.36 at Amazon Buying for a budding Bond on a budget? Victorinox's credit-card-shaped multitool has the hallmarks of a Q invention, without the associated costs of an Aston Martin. Scissors, a screwdriver, tweezers and a pen are just some of the functions hidden within. Yeti 18oz bottle £30 at John Lewis£30 at Go Outdoors Being a dad is thirsty work, and this durable and insulated design from Yeti will keep him hydrated with cold, refreshing drinks – even on the hottest days. For a small fee (£8 each side), you can personalise it too, so he'll think of you with every sip. Azul board game £31.95 at Zatu Games£30.37 at Amazon Contemporary board games sometimes have instructions that last longer than the gameplay, but Azul falls firmly in the 'quick to learn' category. It's guaranteed to be a hit at any Father's Day gathering, and its addictive, pattern-building gameplay means it will become a feature of future meet-ups. Lego London £28 at Argos£34.99 at Lego This 468-piece Lego set allows those with an architectural eye to create a scale model of London's landmarks. Featuring historic highlights like Nelson's column and Tower Bridge – complete with a functioning drawbridge – it will keep the biggest kid in your life quiet for a few hours and leave them with a fun memento. Finnish skittles set £34.99 at Amazon The Finnish game of Mölkky is tricky to master but is guaranteed to bowl over any fan of outdoor games. This hand-crafted wooden set comes with an equally smart canvas carry bag and will be a staple of any summer outing. CeraVe facial moisturising lotion SPF 50 £12.36 for 50ml at Look Fantastic£12.36 for 50ml at Superdrug Get them started on their moisturiser journey, if they haven't already, with CeraVe's formula, which is hydrating and nourishing thanks to a blend of humectants, emollients and three different ceramides. It also provides SPF50 sun protection. Bob the shower pack From £21 at Bob The Bob Bar offers a new eco-conscious take on body wash. Instead of needing a loofa and single-use plastic bottles, all you need is the brand's refillable applicator and body wash bar – which comes in plastic-free recyclable packaging, of course. The applicator is made up of medical-grade bristles for a soft yet effective clean. For more, check out our guide to the best refillable beauty and skincare products Zara Vibrant Leather Summer Breeze fragrance £22.99 at Zara Even if your dad has a signature go-to, an additional scent is never a bad idea. Zara has the best selection of affordable options – now we're entering the warmer months, it's time for fresh blends powered by citrus notes such as this blend of leather, bergamot and lemon. Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion Horace eye refresher duo £38 at Horace Puffiness and dark circles can be a problem for anyone who's not getting their allotted eight hours every night – and that's pretty much, well, everyone. Eye patches are the best way to get rid of the signs of tiredness and, as luck would have it, French grooming brand Horace has designed them specifically for men's skin. You can get a pack of five with an eye serum for just £38. Passenger drop recycled wash kit £29.95 at John Lewis£29.95 at Amazon A modern man can no longer travel with only a toothbrush. This road trip-inspired three-compartment design makes it a doddle to find exactly what you're after, and the in-built hanger makes it ideal for camping – when sanitary surfaces in communal shower blocks are at a premium. Away small toiletry bag £45 at Away This stylish toiletry bag from Away is a slightly fancier option – perfect to match your dad's lovely new grooming products. Away is a go-to for minimal, stylish luggage, and this wash bag is thoughtfully designed, with multiple compartments, an exterior zip pocket and a water-repellent outer. For more luggage ideas, check out our guide to the best suitcases Akt natural deodorant starter set £25 at Akt Antiperspirants often contain aluminium salts that block sweat and the body's natural detoxification process – so maybe it's time to switch to a natural formula instead. Akt is formulated by musical theatre actors who couldn't find any deodorants that cut it while they were on stage. There are six scents to choose from, but our favourite is Orange Grove, a blend of mandarin and neroli. Each tube lasts up to two months, thanks to the included key that helps to squeeze out every drop. Harry's Complete Shave bundle £24.60 at Harry's If your dad is clean-shaven, upgrade his daily routine with Harry's Shave Bundle. There's a cleanser to get rid of any impurities and soften the facial hair before shaving; a razor; a gel to use as a lubricant; and a post-shave balm to help support the skin barrier afterwards. The full package. Aesop Eleos Aromatique hand balm From £27 at AesopFrom £27 at Look Fantastic According to Australian skincare expert Aesop, the newest addition to its handcare range is ideal for weather-worn, dry or distressed hands. If your father's into cooking, gardening or building, he'll appreciate this balm that's enriched with skin-softening botanicals. And, like the entire collection, it smells amazing. Malin + Goetz bestsellers travel kit £34 at Space NK£35 at Malin + Goetz If your old man loves to travel, Malin + Goetz's travel kit will save him a lot of toiletry-related admin. Instead of thinking about whether he's packed a body wash, a cleanser, a moisturiser, a body lotion, a shampoo or a conditioner, he'll know he has all five in one handy pouch. Better yet, the entire range is designed for sensitive skin, so you know it won't cause any irritation. Mühle safety razor £36 at Fat Buddha Store£38 at Amazon Strip things back to basics in the bathroom with a single-blade safety razor. Ideal for beginners ready to make a break from Big Razor, the Mühle has confidence-inspiring heft and a surprisingly gentle shave that cuts just as close as a plastic cartridge jammed with blades. Replacement blades are a fraction of the price of those razors, too. L'Occitane body care duo £37 at L'Occitane£36.50 at Amazon Nothing screams luxury like L'Occitane. This shower gel and roll-on deodorant combo from the Provence-based body and skincare specialists will perk up any armpit. Combining the aromas of lavender and nutmeg, it will add an air of sophistication to every scrub. Dore & Rose deep sleep mask £36 at Dore & Rose He might not hold it against you, but you robbed your dad of sleep when you were little, so help him catch up with the ultimate eye mask. The silky sleep aid blocks 100% of light and has an adjustable fit, meaning it will stay on all night long. Apple AirTag £28 at John LewisFrom £35 at Apple If your dad has a habit of misplacing things, then an AirTag is an ideal solution. The tracking device can be attached to almost anything and will show up on Apple's Find My app, anywhere in the world – even down the back of the sofa. Belkin BoostCharge power bank 10K £24.99 at Belkin£26.21 at Amazon The great outdoors might be about getting back to nature, but even Ranulph Fiennes wouldn't think of leaving home without a way of charging his phone. This pocket-friendly pick from Belkin is the ideal battery-boosting camping companion. Our favourite budget buy in our recent roundup of the best power banks, its premium finish belies its price tag, and its integrated USB-C cable makes this 10,000mAh power bank an all-in-one option to take on the move. Maxdone wildlife camera £39.98 at Amazon Transform any garden into the setting of an Attenborough-style wildlife documentary with a sensor-activated trail camera. This Maxdone model can shoot stills and 4K video at all times of the day (and night), capturing songbirds, squirrels and scraggly foxes in high definition. Stance Run Light Crew sock £16.99 at Urban Surfer Give him socks he'll actually want this year with a pair of these soft and breathable running socks from Stance. They might not have the novelty factor of a standard Father's Day set, but he'll wear them more than once – which is in itself a novelty. Renpho Reach massage gun £50.13 at Amazon Help ease those aches and pains with this portable massage gun, featured in our roundup of the best massage guns. While it's a little low-powered compared with the higher-end models, its extendable handle means it can get to hard-to-reach spots – getting you out of back and shoulder massages for life. Thysol suspension bands £37.95 at Decathlon£39.95 at Amazon Suspension straps can provide a full-body strength and cardio workout using body weight alone, bringing gym-worthy gains into the home. This version is particularly good value. Osprey water shoes £19.99 at Decathlon£19.99 at Excell Sports Water shoes are one of those inventions that your dad will wonder how he lived without. Grippy on wet surfaces, quick drying, and a solution for the painful shuffle to the sea on a stony beach, they'll be the first item he packs for any holiday or water activities. Bullpadel padel racket play power 25 £49.99 at Decathlon Padel is a great way for all ages to keep fit in body and mind, and it doesn't require any racket sport experience to get started (and hooked). This is an ideal first racket, pairing a comfortable fibreglass head with a durable carbon fibre frame that will have him dominating the court in no time. Alpkit Mora hammock £44.99 at Alpkit£44.99 at Amazon A night under the stars is a dream scenario for outdoorsy dads, and this compact hammock will let him live out his fantasy. It doesn't require a frame – instead, its straps are secured between tree trunks – and so wherever there's woodland, there's a place to rest his head. Montane Dart T-shirt £30 at Go Outdoors£30 at Montane An adaptable base layer should be a staple of any fitness-focused father's workout wardrobe, and this all-season option from Montane can handle any outdoor pursuit. As well as keeping him comfortable and dry when running and hiking, it will benefit you too – the fabric is treated with an odour control that should keep BO at bay. Soup, Salads, Sandwiches by Matty Matheson £22.50 at the Guardian Bookshop£19.94 at Amazon Everyone's favourite side character from The Bear is a real-life restaurateur and chef, and his latest cookbook focuses on the holy trinity of lunchtime fare. While his twists on the classics go big on flavour, they're approachable too – even your family's designated pot washer could rustle up a spread in no time. John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs by Ian Leslie £22.50 at the Guardian Bookshop£19.05 at Amazon You don't have to be a fanatic fan of the Fab Four to find Ian Leslie's biography of Lennon and McCartney spellbinding. The book documents the pair's meeting in 1957 through to Lennon's murder in 1980, and highlights how their songwriting and storytelling shaped the modern world. Gabriel's Moon by William Boyd £8.49 at the Guardian Bookshop£6 at Amazon Espionage? Tick. Cold war? Tick. Secrets and betrayals? Tick. William Boyd's latest completes the spy novel full house and is a fun page-turner set in 1960s London, Cádiz and Warsaw that will appeal to fans of Le Carré and Slow Horses' Mick Herron. Is a River Alive? By Robert Macfarlane £21.25 at the Guardian Bookshop£25 at Waterstones Robert Macfarlane's most political book yet, Is a River Alive? sees the nature writer weave a compelling narrative that focuses on the health of the world's waterways in his signature style – blending in-depth research with his first-hand experiences in far-flung locations such as Ecuador, India and Quebec. Mubi Go From £18.99 a month at Mubi This streaming service celebrates indie, foreign and classic cinema and includes curated collections that take the endless scrolling out of selecting a film. Opt for a Go membership to get a ticket to a selected screening at a cinema and time of his choice. OS Maps £34.99 a year at Ordnance Survey That dog-eared Ordnance Survey map collection is now available in the palm of his hand. As well as every bridleway, byway and footpath, it includes ready-made routes by the likes of the Good Pub Guide and the ability to plot his own. A live location icon should make navigation easier too … Wine Garden of England vouchers From £32 at Wine Garden of England Kent has established itself as the home of English wine, and its south-facing slopes contain thousands of rows of vines. This voucher can be used to book tours and tastings or buy products from several of the region's best vineyards, and you're guaranteed to get a 20% discount minimum on its total value. Simply Cook subscription From £30 for three boxes at Simply Cook A meal kit for those who aren't afraid of slicing, dicing and sourcing ingredients, the Simply Cook subscription takes care of the finishing flourishes that will revolutionise midweek meals. Each pack includes three pots that vary from pastes, rubs, spice blends and marinades and a simple sub-30-minute recipe. Oddbox subscription From £11.49 a week at Oddbox Do your bit for the planet and your Pops's palate with a wonky but fresh fruit and veg box. The subscription saves excess or incorrectly shaped produce from ending up as food waste, filling a fridge and fruit bowl on a weekly or fortnightly basis with scrumptious seasonal fare. Mango pocket linen shirt £49.99 at Mango£49.99 at Asos When the hot weather hits, your dad will be thanking you for this linen shirt. It's comfortable. It's breathable. It's even naturally anti-bacterial, so it will stay fresher for longer. Linen tends to look better when it's relaxed and billowy, so we'd recommend sizing up. Falke Happy Box three-pack of socks £25 at Falke£24.95 at Amazon Let's face it: every guy likes being given socks – especially when they're by Falke. The German brand is known for creating underpinnings that are engineered for unrivalled comfort and minimal design, and they're all made using premium textiles, too. This multipack comes in a box, making for an even better gift. Arket ripstop swim shorts £37 at Arket£37 at Asos Most high-street stores' men's swimwear tends to look relatively basic – but Arket's is a step above the rest. These shorts, for example, are constructed from a sheeny ripstop that looks far more expensive than the £37 retail price. Sekonda Evans men's watch £34.99 at Sekonda£35 at Next Quiet luxury is still very much on the menswear agenda, so it makes sense that understated watches are a hot topic in the horology world in 2025 – and since they're timeless, they're a good investment for the future, too. This gold-alloy-leather-bracelet combo fits the brief perfectly. Montbell pocketable ripstop light tote £49 at End Clothing Montbell's tote puts functionality first – from the side mesh pocket that fits a water bottle to the packable design – but there are subtle details that set it apart from your average nylon bag, namely the minimal logo, rich navy hue, structured bottom and zipper closure with a contrast toggle. Scrt Dog Admirer T-shirt £50 at Scrt If we've any dog families in our midst, Scrt's Dog Admirer tee is the gift that's sure to get you in the good books. Like the east London-based label's entire range, it's made using a premium heavyweight fabric and cut to a comfy oversized fit. Size down if he prefers it fitted. Crew neck T-shirt £14.90 at Uniqlo If your dad is more of a classic dresser, you can't go wrong with a well-fitting crisp white T-shirt. This affordable option from Uniqlo has been a big hit with readers since appearing in our guide to 50 men's summer wardrobe updates under £100. Schuh Summit leather sandals £45 at Schuh£45 at Next Classic black leather sandals are a crowd pleaser – and can be worn pretty much everywhere. Around the house. To the park. Even to walk the aforementioned dog. This year, the strappy gladiator-coded style is trending, and Schuh's Summit is a great nod to the trend without sacrificing timelessness. Autograph Supima T-shirt and Lyocell pyjamas Top £18 at Marks & SpencerBottoms £30 at Marks & Spencer A pair of PJs will always go down well. But what makes this set by Autograph (Marks & Spencer's premium label) so good for Father's Day is that they're made from lightweight, breathable fabrics, perfect for the impending summer. They're so smooth he'll never want to take them off. Folk waffle socks £20 at Folk Menswear brand Folk is a favourite among fashionable fathers in the know – and the brand is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. These waffle-stitch socks will add a splash of colour to any outfit and are on the cool rather than cringe spectrum of novelty. Hush Puppies The Good Slipper £30.99 at Hush PuppiesFrom £42 at John Lewis Up the eco credentials of your dad's loungewear with these recycled slippers from Hush Puppies. The upper is made of 90% recycled polyester, while the sole is padded with recycled foam for a more comfortable slipper. Waffle dressing gown £32 at Next Lightweight enough to wear throughout the summer months, a waffle dressing gown will give your dad a luxe spa feel while lounging around at home.
The Guardian
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Brighton Rock by Graham Greene audiobook review – Sam West captures the menace of this modern classic
We are not short of audio versions of Brighton Rock, Graham Greene's classic thriller from 1938 set in the eponymous seaside town. Past narrators have included Jacob Fortune‑Lloyd, Richard Brown and Tom O'Bedlam, and that's before you get to the various radio dramatisations. But few can match this narration from the Howards End actor Samuel West, first recorded in 2011, which captures the menace and seediness that runs through Greene's novel. It tells of 17-year-old Pinkie Brown, a razor-wielding hoodlum who is trying to cover up the murder of a journalist, Charles 'Fred' Hale, killed by his gang in revenge for a story he wrote on Pinkie's now deceased boss, Kite. Pinkie sets about wooing Rose, a naive young waitress who unwittingly saw something that could implicate him in the murder. His plan is to marry her to prevent her testifying against him. But he doesn't bargain for the doggedness of Ida Arnold, a middle-aged lounge singer who smells of 'soap and wine' and who happened to meet Hale on the day he was killed. On learning of his death, Ida refuses to believe the reports that he died of natural causes. She resolves not only to bring his killer to justice but to protect Rose from a terrible fate. Brighton Rock is one of several Greene audiobooks being rereleased this year by Penguin; others include The Quiet American (narrated by Simon Cadell), Travels With My Aunt (Tim Pigott-Smith), The Power and the Glory (Andrew Sachs) and The Heart of the Matter (Michael Kitchen). Available via Penguin Audio, 9hr 10min Normally Weird and Weirdly NormalRobin Ince, Macmillan, 9hr 7minInspired by his ADHD diagnosis, the co-presenter of Radio 4's science comedy The Infinite Monkey Cage investigates neurodiversity and asks: what does it mean to be normal? Read by the author. It's Probably NothingNaga Munchetty, HarperCollins, 11hr 33minMunchetty narrates her memoir-cum-polemic about her struggles with adenomyosis and the enduring problem of medical misogyny.
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an hour ago
- The Sun
Major building society with 400,000 customers makes big change to 37 accounts TODAY – do you need to switch?
A MAJOR building society with 400,000 customers is making a big change to dozens of accounts from today. Newcastle Building Society is dropping rates on 37 variable rate savings accounts. It comes after the Bank of England (BoE) cut its base rate from 4.5% to 4.25% last month. This rate is charged by the BoE to smaller high street banks on loans, with any fall usually mirrored in savings rates. Newcastle Building Society is reducing rates on the 37 personal savings accounts by 0.25 percentage points. The Double Access Saver/ISA (Issue 4) will drop from 4.05% to 3.80%, for customers eligible for a bonus interest rate. Meanwhile, the Newcastle Cash Lifetime ISA (Issue 3) will fall from 2.70% to 2.45%. The Newcastle Direct Saver Plus will fall from 2.50% to 2.25% for those getting interest paid annually and making less than five withdrawals. While the Client Deposit account will drop from 2.50% to 2.25% as well. Customers with fixed-rate savings accounts won't see interest rates fall today. Interest rates on two variable rate savings accounts - the Loyalty Saver (Issue 1) and Quadruple Access Saver/ISA (Issue 1) - will also not change as they have only been available to customers since April 24. You can view the table above to find out how the interest rate on your savings account has changed. What is the Bank of England base rate and how does it affect me? Or, you can visit and click on "Current and Closed Issue Variable Savings Interest Rates". MAJOR BANKS CUTTING RATES A host of banks are reducing interest rates on savings accounts as the BoE continues to cut its base rate. HSBC cut rates on eight of its savings accounts on June 3, joining NatWest and Nationwide. Nationwide cut interest rates on over 60 savings accounts on June 1 including a number of ISAs and easy access accounts. NatWest also reduced rates on a number of accounts at the end of May. It comes after the BoE cut its base rate from 4.50% to 4.25% on May 8. The central bank raises its base rate to discourage people from spending and encourage them to save, which in turn is designed to make inflation fall. It lowers its base rate when inflation is under control, meaning people are encouraged to spend and pump money into the economy. A lower base rate signals good news for those with mortgages who see the interest rates charged on them fall. However, it's usually bad news for those with savings accounts as banks slash interest rates. If you're with Newcastle Building Society and have seen the interest rate on your savings account drop, you could switch to a new savings account paying a better rate. It's worth looking on price comparison websites like and to find the best options for you. How to get the best savings account Knowing which savings account to choose can be confusing with so many different types out there. The one that suits your needs the best depends on your personal circumstances. For example, hundreds of thousands on Universal Credit can save money through a Help to Save account. These accounts pay you 50p free for every 50p added, up to a maximum of £25 a month. The interest on these accounts is paid out after two and four years after which point the account is closed. But, maximise your pot over those four years and you'd earn £1,200 free cash. For those with more long-term savings goals, a fixed-rate ISA might be the best option. These tend to offer better interest rates than cash ISAs and any earnings are tax-free. Meanwhile, for people who have a small amount they want to start saving away, a regular savings account might be best. They usually pay out higher interest rates than easy access savings or current accounts. For example, says Principality Building Society is currently offering a regular savings account at 7.5% for the first six months and the best easy-access savings account is with Plum which is offering 4.85%. One disadvantage of regular savings accounts is that the interest rate can be reduced if you don't add cash in every month or you need to make a withdrawal. SAVING ACCOUNT TYPES THERE are four types of savings accounts fixed, notice, easy access, and regular savers. Separately, there are ISAs or individual savings accounts which allow individuals to save up to £20,000 a year tax-free. But we've rounded up the main types of conventional savings accounts below. FIXED-RATE A fixed-rate savings account or fixed-rate bond offers some of the highest interest rates but comes at the cost of being unable to withdraw your cash within the agreed term. This means that your money is locked in, so even if interest rates increase you are unable to move your money and switch to a better account. Some providers give the option to withdraw, but it comes with a hefty fee. NOTICE Notice accounts offer slightly lower rates in exchange for more flexibility when accessing your cash. These accounts don't lock your cash away for as long as a typical fixed bond account. You'll need to give advance notice to your bank - up to 180 days in some cases - before you can make a withdrawal or you'll lose the interest. EASY-ACCESS An easy-access account does what it says on the tin and usually allows unlimited cash withdrawals. These accounts tend to offer lower returns, but they are a good option if you want the freedom to move your money without being charged a penalty fee. REGULAR SAVER These accounts pay some of the best returns as long as you pay in a set amount each month. You'll usually need to hold a current account with providers to access the best rates. However, if you have a lot of money to save, these accounts often come with monthly deposit limits.
